Watchman™
Watchman™ is a one-time procedure to reduce stroke risk for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. This alternative to blood thinners is a left atrial appendage closure implant.
How It Works
- Under general anesthesia, small cut made into upper leg with a narrow tube inserted, as in a standard stent procedure
- The doctor guides the watchman into your heart’s left atrial appendage
- Following implant heart tissue grows over Watchman, permanently closing off the left atrial appendage to keep blood clots from escaping.
Benefits
- Reduced risk of stroke
- Small incision
- Brief recovery time
- Elimination of bleeding risks and regular blood tests and food and drink restrictions that come with taking warfarin